Silence reigned over the forbidden zone of the Nebel Plateau. Countless eyes fixed on the resolute figure standing before them.
Volcanion did not know her, and neither did the Pokémon of the Nebel Plateau's forbidden zone.
But now, every creature present learned the identity of that blond-haired figure—
Her Highness Crown Princess Jimiya of the Azoth Kingdom!
Volcanion's heart was with Magearna. Five hundred years of companionship had left a field of flowers forever blooming in its heart, along with the figure who watered them.
The Pokémon within the forbidden zone cared just as deeply for Magearna. Not one of them had failed to benefit from her kindness.
For a moment, countless gazes filled with tangled emotions rested on Jimiya as she slowly closed her eyes.
Beside her, Dian subtly moved his fingers. Then, glancing aside, he caught Jervis's inscrutable smile aboard the black spaceship—a smile that concealed a trace of relief.
He considered it, his gaze flickering briefly, then took a small step back. If things truly were as he suspected, this ending seemed more favorable.
Even the azure sky seemed to grow oppressive. Jervis, Volcanion, and countless others waited anxiously, their thoughts revolving around Jimiya.
Finally, Volcanion took a deep breath and slowly turned its red body toward the black spaceship.
If Jervis's target had been Volcanion, it would have agreed without hesitation... no matter what he demanded.
But it had no right to ask a human to sacrifice anything for Magearna... even if she was Azoth's princess.
Sacrifice, in the end, was a matter of individual will.
Volcanion's gaze gradually grew cold and fierce, holding a resolve beyond the reach of ordinary people.
Just as it prepared to take flight, an unexpected voice broke through everything.
"As you wish, Jervis."
Jimiya raised her head and casually removed